Intrepid Day 2 (10-April) - Flight to TrabzonS6shot-The crazy bunch before boarding We started a little bit early on a Tuesday since we had to get to the airport for our flight to Trabzon. I didn't have enough sleep the night before, but thought it best to get some shut eye on the plane. The morning ...

Intrepid Day 1 - Istanbul - The MeetupThe traffic was a nightmare. I checked my watch almost every minute, hoping a miracle would happen. I hate getting late most especially when it's a first meetup. The cab driver rang the hotel a couple of times, trying to figure out where abouts it was since...

The morning before Intrepid Expedition (09 April '18)I slept in on to compensate for the late night activities. I knew I had to have more sleep in preparation for the Intrepid meetup. I wanted to go to Fener and Balat but computing the remaining hours I decided to go to the Post Shop instead. I went up for br...

When Music wasn't part of the planI wasnt really sure where the train line was when I got out of the church. I zipped up my jacket since it was getting a bit chilly. I traced my steps back along Independence Avenue until I found the T sign to the Beyoglu station. The escalators were long...

A Special Sunday in Beyoģlu, IstanbulOne of my main goals going to that side of the city was to attend Sunday service in a Catholic Church. Research showed that all the churches were on the Asian side. And I made a promise that despite the distance, I would still make sure I made it. It was st...

Exploring the Asia sideCrossing the streets reminded me of back home, i.e. Manila. It was still tame S6shot- Fruit stalls compared to Vietnam and Egypt. Pedestrian crossings were non existent despite the clear streak of white lines on the road. I later on realized that I was foll...

Crossing Galata BridgeS6shot- Europe side view from bridge Sinker caught in the wire The clouds were dramatic, as it poured rain over the Golden Horn. I survived crossing the street and walking towards the ferry ports. Before the trip, I was considering catching the ferry but th...

Sultanahmet - Part IIBasilica Cistern I quickly found my way through Sultanahmet square. The clouds still lingered around. The Basilica Cistern was just across Hagia Sofia. The line wasnt that long to my delight. The entry fee was 20 Liras and as far as I remember wasnt include...

Out and About in Sultanahmet (Old City) - Part 1I woke up way before the alarm clock. The 6 am wakeup call wasnt required at all. By 5:30 am the first call for prayer blasted from the speakers of the closeby mosque. I went up to the 5th floor and found a girl gazing out the window at the quaint kitchen o...

My First Night in IstanbulI went out around sunset time. I could hear prayers from the mosque Famished and weak, I was craving for proper food. Airplane meals never really gave me comfort. I walked along Small Ayasofya street and savoured the chill air. The traffic was still S6shot-...